US Senate committee approves $1 billion in defense aid to Ukraine
It is expected that $800 million will be allocated to the Ukraine Security Initiative, and another $200 million to the Baltic Security Initiative. The US Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a military spending bill that includes $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine, according to Reuters. The bill approved by the US committee provides for the allocation of $800 million to the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and $225 million to the Baltic Security Initiative. Reuters notes that a significant portion of this money will ultimately also go to support Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russian invasion.
The bill was supported by 26 senators, with only three voting against it. According to Reuters, this demonstrates bipartisan support for Ukraine from both Democrats and Republicans.
At the same time, Trump’s budget request and the defense funding bill passed by the House of Representatives in early 2025 did not provide for the allocation of funds for the USAI, which finances intelligence, as well as the supply of equipment and weapons to Ukraine. However, Reuters notes that many Republicans in Congress and the Senate support Ukraine, and Trump himself is increasingly disappointed with Russia.
The bill must now be approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives, after which it will be sent to Donald Trump, who must sign the document.
On July 24, the US State Department approved the sale of maintenance and overhaul equipment for M109 self-propelled howitzers and related equipment to Ukraine worth approximately $150 million.
Under another agreement, the US will transfer air defense equipment worth $180 million to Ukraine.
